KUCHING: Blood donors are silent heroes who save lives and strengthen the healthcare system, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He said blood donation, while often seen as a simple act, carried an immeasurable humanitarian impact.
“A single unit of blood can save a life, restore hope to a family, and strengthen the resilience of our healthcare system. It is a contribution that cannot be measured in monetary terms—only in humanity,” he said.
He said this at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sarawak Branch Annual Blood Donor Award and Appreciation Ceremony here on Saturday.
Yap said the ceremony recognised not only individual donors and volunteers, but also organisations that partnered with MRCS Sarawak Branch in organising blood donation campaigns throughout the year.
“Your commitment ensures that our hospitals maintain a stable and safe blood supply for patients in need, whether in emergencies, surgeries, or treatment of chronic conditions,” he said.
He also commended MRCS Sarawak Branch for being “a pillar of humanitarian service”, adding that the success of blood donation programmes reflected strong collaboration among the Red Crescent, government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the community.
“One of Sarawak’s greatest strengths is our unity in diversity. We step forward to help others not because of differences, but because we believe every life is precious,” Yap said.
Meanwhile, MRCS Kuching Branch Deputy Chairman Dr Chou Chi Ming said blood donor recruitment in the city continued to show a stable upward trend.
“Blood recruitment undertaken by us in close cooperation with the Blood Bank of Sarawak General Hospital in 2024 was on a trend of above five per cent increase annually,” he said.
Chou highlighted a significant rise in new female blood donors, which had surpassed male donors.
He cited figures showing that in 2023, there were 1,210 new male donors and 1,280 new female donors, while in 2024, the numbers were 1,221 male donors and 1,279 female donors.
Based on the trend, he added that within five years, female donors were expected to contribute 45 per cent of total annual blood collections, compared to the current 37 per cent.
“This is an important factor ensuring our collection of blood donation is always on an upward trend,” Chou said, expressing thanks to all parties involved for achieving what he described as a marvellous good result.
After the award presentation, Yap launched the MRCS Kuching Branch’s “Run to Save Lives 6.0”, scheduled for June 21, 2026.
Chou said the event was expected to attract 2,500 runners and aimed to raise RM160,000 to cover operating costs, including blood recruitment services.
“We appeal to the Kuching public to again give us the support to make this annual run event a success,” he said.
